Learn About the Antique Capital of Oklahoma – Jenks OK

Learn About the Antique Capital of Oklahoma – Jenks OK

The City of Jenks is located in Tulsa County in the northeastern part of Oklahoma. It is a suburb of Tulsa and is situated between the Arkansas River and US Highway 75. Featured twice in “Southern Living” magazine and on the television program, “Oklahoma Living”, Jenks real estate has a reputation as the “Antique Capital of Oklahoma”, which extends far beyond even the state boundaries.

With over 30 antique, specialty and home decor stores, including six malls, over 600 dealers come together offering residents and visitors a one-of-a-kind sidewalk shopping experience. Coupled with wonderful restaurants serving everything from fast food to fine cuisine, Jenks real estate has something for everyone to enjoy.

The city has an outstanding school district, quality housing and is in close proximity to the Tulsa Metropolitan Area. The citizens maintain a small town value as Jenks real estate continues to grow and Jenks offers just plain “down home” living.

Jenks’ Educational System

From the beginning, Jenks schools have been an important part in the community and, over time, this role was extended eastward and northwestward into Tulsa, which the Jenks school district also encompassed. Whether in academics or sports, Jenks Public Schools have been a statewide leader in Oklahoma’s public education.

Jenks Public Schools have gained national recognition over the years for both its academic and athletic programs. They were recently awarded the nationally coveted “Malcolm Baldrige Nation Quality Award” which is awarded for excellence in performance. Over 1,000 teachers and support personnel work to produce well-rounded students who receive a comprehensive education. The motto of JPS is “Tradition of Excellence With a Vision for Tomorrow”.

History of Jenks

What would become the city of Jenks was initially planned around two major railroads that were built between Tulsa and Muskogee in 1904. The hopes of steam boat travel across the Arkansas River pushed settlers more east instead of the two railroads. The new town took its name from a director of one of the railroads who lived in Philadelphia.

The discovery of oil in nearby Glenpool in 1905 spurred development in Jenks real estate. In 1906, oil tank farms were built close to Jenks to store oil. The area property value was increased by the expensive tank farms and considerable contribution in revenue to the Jenks school district.

Though the Arkansas River was not used primarily for water transportation, its role was very important for crossing the river. In 1910, the first Jenks bridge was built across the Arkansas River and was replaced in 1948 with a two lane bridge. A four-lane bridge was built in 1996, which connected South Tulsa with Jenks.

Things to See and Do in Jenks OK

The Oklahoma Aquarium is a cultural, scientific and educational center designed to provide exciting learning experiences for visitors of all ages. During every visit, more than 200 exhibits are introduced to Aquarium guests along with millions of gallons of water that are in habitats, tide pools, rocky coasts, streams, rivers and ponds.

Sigfreid Family Shark Exhibit is one of the most special exhibits. It is home to the largest lemon and bull sharks in captivity. The seamless tunnel provides visitors with a feeling of being in the ocean swimming with the sharks.

River City Trading Post provides the most unique shopping experience that Jenks & South Tulsa has to offer. They are fully stocked with antiques, unique items, collectibles and oddities. The River City Trading Post has been described as “falling into a pot of gold.” There is something for everyone, whether you’re a regular or a true collector, an interior designer or a do-it-your-selfer. River City Trading Post is where treasures find you.